Poe asks MWSS for computation on P1.13 B fine against Manila Water

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) should make public their computation as to how they came up with the P1.13 billion fine against Manila Water over the ongoing water shortage in the East Zone concession, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday.

“Matagal nang hinihintay ‘yan ng mga kababayan nating naperwisyo,” Poe said in a statement.

“For the sake of transparency, MWSS should give us a copy of their computation. Papaano narating ang kompyutasyon ng multa?” she added.

Poe, who led the Senate probe on the water shortage, asked if the Manila Water would be continuously fined since the water interruptions are still ongoing.

“Will they not be continuously sanctioned as long as water interruptions continue? Hindi naman yata tama na porke’t magbabayad na ang Manila Water ay okay nang magpatuloy ang water interruptions,” she said.

The P1.13 billion fine imposed on Manila Water include P534 million for not meeting service requirements and an additional P600 million intended for the concessionaire to develop a new water source.

READ: MWSS fines Manila Water for supply shortage

Poe asked how would the MWSS compensate the thousands of affected consumers with the P534 million.

She also took issue with the P600 million fund that is supposedly for a new water source, pointing out that it could not be a penalty since it is the obligation of the Manila Water to find new water sources.

“Papaano ito naging penalty kung obligasyon naman talaga nila ng Manila Water na palawakin ang supply ng tubig?” Poe pointed out.

“Isa pa, baka ito ay ipasa rin ng Manila Water sa consumers nito sa kalaunan,” she added.

She said she hopes that this will serve as a warning to all public service providers that they have a big responsibility to the public.

“Magsilbi sanang aral ito sa lahat na malaki ang pananagutan kapag public service ang usapin,” the senator said. /je